54 Problems - The Global Minigolf Podcast

06/12/2023

New Episode!!! 37. Guinness World Records Special - Richard Gottfried, Cole Hetzel, Greg Newport & Martyn Williams

Join us as we celebrate the Guinness Book of World Records' recognition of minigolf by talking with three holders of Records and one challenger.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cDY6nPcmMKGYibxvp0YYi?si=2Qo76ob8SEGGqZLsGrlBEg
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/37-guinness-world-records-special-richard-gottfried-cole-hetzel-greg-newport-martyn-williams/

22/09/2023

New Episode!!! 36. Simon & Andrew - Beside The Point

In a break from regular programming Simon & Andrew sit down to discuss the highs and lows of their respective seasons so far and reflect on the current state of minigolf.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Go14obDeGkctf41UndpRP?si=YXr78WNqS0eda1ESNAF2Hg
Web: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/simon-andrew-beside-the-point/

16/08/2023

New Episode!!! 35. 25 year anniversary of the first ever BMGA tournament - Peter Parr

Our first ever History of Minigolf episode kicks off by talking to the founder of the BMGA, Peter Parr.

We talk to Peter about what inspired him to create the BMGA and what the process looked like. We also discuss the first ever BMGA tournament on its 25th anniversary.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/35-25-year-anniversary-of-the-first-ever-bmga-tournament-peter-parr/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xmlLRgsjqYunKvfPOE2aO?si=TQ0v0KPZQXO-9c96h1JNZQ

09/07/2023

City Golf Final

As a reminder today is the final day you can apply for a wildcard entry to the City Golf Tour final.

We understand they are particularly interested in fans of international minigolf, so perfect for 54 Problems fans!

Apply to the link below:

For players interested in getting a wild card to participate in the 2023 City Golf Tour Final in Askim (Gothenburg), Sweden, on September 9 - 10. Please fill in this short questionnaire and we will take your application into consideration.

05/07/2023

New Episode!!! 34. World Adventure Golf Masters 2023 - Champion’s Interview - Patrick Riener

To conclude our coverage of the World Adventure Golf Masters 2023 we talk to the ultimate champion of the tournament Patrick Riener.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KiXWNkZFiqMDew5MZ11sN?si=3d101cbbe5134211
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/34-world-adventure-golf-masters-2023-champion-s-interview-patrick-riener/

We discuss with Patrick what is takes to become WAGM champion and the feeling of being crowned champion. Plus Patrick gives us a look behind the scenes in to the process of making a bid to host the WAGM and course preparation.

29/06/2023

New Episode!!! 33. WAGM 2023 Debrief - James Shaw

On the 16th June 2023 national teams of Adventure Golf players from around the world met at Gumpoldskirchen, Austria for the World Adventure Golf Masters.

In this episode we talk to James Shaw, first time player for Team GB, to get his personal take on what is was like to represent his country and play at the WAGM for the first time.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Ac0DXnqtQTI1Nb5PYIrck?si=_mU2UkfRS42RnNWYBMoh3g
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/33-wagm-2023-debrief-james-shaw/

16/06/2023

New Episode!!! 32. World Crazy Golf Championship 2023 - 5 Top Stories + Winners’ Interviews

We wrap up our coverage of the World Crazy Golf Championship 2023 by sharing our 5 Top Stories from the tournament, talking to Adam Kelly and Murray Thompson (winners of the main and novice categories) and taking you behind the scenes of the recording of our live episode.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/32-world-crazy-golf-championship-2023-5-top-stories-winners-interviews/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/07va4eAezLWFiFvbt8B0uA?si=khHekcn3QjaCZ7VmPjZ3zw

To vote on this episode's Hot Topic, visit here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1167078617184394/posts/1380711212487799/

11/06/2023

The final hole of the World Crazy Golf Championships 2023 in Hastings! ⛳️

Well done to Adam Kelly on defending his title! 🔥

09/06/2023

New Episode!!! 31. World Crazy Golf Championship 2023

This is the big one! In what has become our favourite night of the year, we invite players of the World Crazy Golf Championship from all over the world to share what about the tournament makes it so special and any predictions they have for the weekend.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/31-world-crazy-golf-championship-2023/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2L2soB9K0SDlk6Q4KJVxJz?si=CGwbnyKxQzKcpQhVLMWNvg

Thank you to everyone who took part and make it such a fantastic experience!

13/05/2023

New Episode!!! 30. National Miniature Golf Day - A Couple Of Putts - Tom Loftus & Robin Schwartzman

Happy miniature golf day! Join us as we continue a tradition where we invite a guest on to the podcast to take us on a virtual minigolf roadtrip across six courses they have chosen themselves.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bWZE6WILINGXbjMgGpTu6?si=O9A7MwuVTWW5wGBKX7zicg
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/30-national-miniature-golf-day-a-couple-of-putts-tom-loftus-robin-schwartzman/

It's an incredible journey and one you will not want to miss. You can follow along with us by looking at the photos on this post and visiting the links.

As it is National Miniature Golf Day we would love to see social media posts relating to minigolf!

18/04/2023

New Episode!!! 29. Women in Minigolf - Special Episode - Vanette Block, Ruth Burke, Annelie Lundell

As part of 54 Problems ongoing commitment to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in the sport, today we present a very special episode. For the first time ever, you will not be hearing from co-hosts Simon and Andrew (which is actually the #1 most frequently received request we get). Instead we have given full control of the podcast over to three legends of the sport: Vanette Block, Ruth Burke and Annelie Lundell for a must-listen episode discussing Women in Minigolf:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hRLMnf30i7MUlYzM6joD4?si=sziyRmIGS6uek5xeHTklDQ&dd=1

Web: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/women-in-minigolf-special-episode-vanette-block-ruth-burke-annelie-lundell/

In this conversation (which is equal parts laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sincere and thought provoking) Vanette, Ruth and Annelie share a little about themselves and what minigolf looks like in their home countries, celebrate each other's achievements, discuss what it is like to be a woman in a sport dominated by men and share what they think can be done to improve engagement from women and girls.

12/03/2023

New Episode!!! 28. Minigolf Month - February 2023 - Gary Hester

Join us as we recap the Minigolf Month of February 2023 with the help from someone who had a seriously incredible month - USA Team Member - Gary Hester!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ps1gQ96RlCZ2SMux5Y4A7?si=8a891f2450154930
Web link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/28-minigolf-month-february-2023-gary-hester/

Among other things we discuss the Oceania Open, the Popstroke Tour Event at Fort Myers and the first ever World Putting League event.

Gary provides fascinating insight on what it was like to be at the very first event that had wagering options along with an incredible live streaming setup. We discuss how it feels to know that members of the public made money off your incredible performance!

To support the podcast please visit our page at www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems where, among other benefits, you can get access to the fan Discord and early episode drops.

27/02/2023

New Episode!!! 27. Player Spotlight - Marc Chapman

Join us as we shine our player spotlight on to three time World Crazy Golf Champion - Marc Chapman!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/60PqclwXCNwVCm8oxufgdc?si=RSMOPEpFTi2Aag-D6MaF2w
Web: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/27-player-spotlight-marc-chapman/

We hear from Marc what it takes to be one of the ultimate champions of the sport. Among many topics, we discuss practice schedules, career development and the mindset of a champion.

We also look at some of Marc's media work and the reasoning behind Marc attempting to build his own personal brand.

Finally, Marc takes on the famous Getting to Know You questions.

23/02/2023

New episode dropping Monday at 9am...🎙

Set your alarms for a classic as we speak to Marc Chapman and try to get into the real detail of what makes him a three time World Crazy Golf Champion. Among many topics, we discuss practice schedules, career development and how to be a big character in the miniest of sports. ⛳️

We also touch on Marc's work in the media. In keeping with that, it brings us great pleasure to exclusively premiere the trailer for his (frankly awesome looking) upcoming documentary "King Putt" (release date TBC). There's more than a few familiar faces on here so take a look: 🎥

https://vimeo.com/699052154/683e4505d5

12/02/2023

Competition Winner!!

Congratulations to Cindy Kukielka who, after successfully naming 5 members of our Christmas choir, won a Putt18 Mat. The mat has arrived and you can see Cindy below enjoying the game.

Big thanks to Glenn Palmer who generously provided the prize.

For our listeners, if you would like to get involved in Putt18, you can search Facebook for the group "Putt18 Player Events". In this group you can find details of various tournaments, plus information on how to get your own Putt18 Mat (sometimes there are very good offers so do watch the page).

And keep it tuned to 54 Problems for more opportunities to win fantastic prizes throughout the year!

02/02/2023

New Episode!!! 26. Minigolf Month - January 2023 - Swedish Putting Team

Join us and the Swedish Putting Team as we recap the Minigolf Month of January: There's a lot to talk about - AMA's first 2023 tournament, the Monza Night Marathon and the first Popstroke Tour Series event.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/26-minigolf-month-january-2023-swedish-putting-team/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RhtbQt4Cs4JJp7HFEWa5S?si=4XHPmHmdTYaaHAnk4olu_g&utm_source=copy-link
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-problems/id1626366140

Join us as we recap the Minigolf Month of January 2023 and look ahead to February. We are thrilled to be joined by the Swedish Putting Team (at least 66% of them): Kevin Sundström, Alexander Malina, Gunnar Bengtsson and Hans Olofsson.

We discuss the AMA's first tournament of 2023 - a Putt 18 contest that could be played from anywhere in the World.

Also joining us for a phone interview are Simone Colombo and Alberto Martinelli, two first time players of the Monza Night Marathon, along with their coach Alberto Pirovano and the player manager Fabio Agostoni. We hear from them what preparation for the Monza Night Marathon looks like.

Finally we discuss the first ever Popstroke Tour Series tournament (that was held in Orlando) with the Swedish Putting Team (who dominated the field). We discuss what it was like to play in a $5,000 entry high roller event and what their hopes for Popstroke are for the future.

For more information about Minigolf and to contact the podcast you can find us on Facebook "54 Problems" and email [email protected].

27/01/2023

New Episode!!! 25. Player Spotlight - Matěj Vlček

To kick off 54 Problems in 2023 we are very excited to share an episode that we can promise contains absolutely no rubbish! Yes, we are talking to former Youth Adventure Golf World Champion - Matěj Vlček.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1aF8SEqCsTmixnMok4nhlC?si=_fSoZI2bSn-AUREC0N1GTw&utm_source=copy-link
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/25-player-spotlight-matej-vlcek/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-problems/id1626366140

Matěj had an amazing 2022, winning both the Czech Adventure Golf Masters and the Czech Adventure Golf Tour at the age of 16. In this episode we talk about what it takes to achieve such a feat.

Matěj also shares his advice for how to play the Adventure Golf Horní Bezděkov course where his home team is from.

Finally, Matěj takes on the famous Getting To Know You questions.

For more information about minigolf and to contact the podcast, you can find us on Facebook "54 Problems" and you can email [email protected].

To support the podcast please visit https://www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems

05/01/2023

2023 EU Adventure Golf Calendar

We've got a fairly good idea now of what the 2023 EU Adventure Golf calendar looks like. See below for a list of important events. (Some are To Be Confirmed but we will fill those in as we get more info).

Let us know which of these you are planning to attend in the comments! We will discuss 2023's calendar in January's recap episode and can give you a shout out.

29/12/2022

New Episode!!! 24. Christmas Special 2022 - Live Virtual Audience

Merry Christmas Everyone! Join us and a live virtual audience as we recap December, give away a Putt18 mat and announce the winners of our Best of Minigolf 2022 awards! Plus a few surprises along the way.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RSTLxJkca5pa9ZqQa6xSf?si=c5hHYTUgTJeIspPyajZZ2Q
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/24-christmas-special-2022-live-virtual-audience/

Huge thank you to our fantastic audience: Balázs Tompa, Eddie Söderlund, Vanette Block Martyn Williams, Pat Sheridan, Seve Kukielka Shaun Stimpson and Tom Loftus.

Also a huge thank you to the members of our Christmas Choir: David Hartley, Alexander Malina, Lordtiger Pragnell, Vanette Block, Tom Loftus, Allan Cox Martin Cetkovsky Andrew Edmonds, Pat Sheridan, King Henry, Marion Hartley and Tim "Ace Man" Davies.

Keep it tuned to 54 Problems in 2023 for more minigolf content, we already have some truly amazing guests lined up.

To support the podcast please visit www.patreon.com/54Problems

24/12/2022

Christmas Competition: Answers + Winner!

Watch this video to find out the answers to our Christmas Competition and also who the lucky winner of the Putt18 mat was. Also a quick sneak peak of our Christmas Special coming on the 29th December:

https://youtu.be/w8I0VdprRcs

Thank you to our wonderful live audience for making the Christmas Special such a fantastic episode. And also to everyone who participated in our Christmas choir!

Merry Christmas!

21/12/2022

Final day for Christmas Competition Entries for Putt18 mat + goodies!

Today is the final day you can enter the Christmas Competition. If you haven't done it yet listen to the following song and see if you can identify any of the minigolf players:

https://youtu.be/YB4oBGgH-o8

You can send guesses over Facebook messenger or to [email protected]. Each correct guess gets one entry in to the random draw.

Answers and random draw will be done tomorrow at 7pm GMT during the live Christmas Special episode!

Enter our Christmas Competition to win a Putt18 Pro League Members Pack. This includes 1 x Putt18 Putting Mat, Free Putt18 Scoring App, 3 Putt18 Competition ...

18/12/2022

Today, the 54 Problems creative team is thrilled to announce they have closed a deal with Foxes Minigolf Club and will sponsor the club during 2023, appearing as an exclusive sponsor on their team kit.

Foxes Minigolf Club is a new and exciting minigolf club within the UK. Foxes share out values and vision for promoting the sport to the wider public.

Our aim for the sponsorship deal is, if members of the public see Foxes playing minigolf and look up the 54 Problems podcast, they will see that minigolf is a serious sport, with international tournaments and a friendly and welcoming player base. Both Foxes and ourselves are happy to work together to achieve this vision.

The 54 Problems team have a lot of exciting things planned for 2023 to increase public engagement and we are thrilled to have Foxes Minigolf Club as a part of the journey.

- Andrew & Simon

14/12/2022

***Christmas Special Recording + Competition Deadline***

We will be recording the Christmas Special episode on Thursday 22nd December between 7pm - 9pm GMT.

This means the deadline for the Christmas Competition is midnight on the 21st December. If you would like a chance to win a Putt18 mat, please submit your entries. The average number of correct guesses has been about 3-4 so it is definitely worth entering if you can only identify one person.

The Christmas Special will be recorded in front of a live virtual audience. Heckling/participation will be encouraged so if you would like a ticket you can contact us over Facebook or email [email protected]

During the Christmas Special episode we will discuss the Top 5 of Minigolf 2022 as well as some other surprises. It should be a blast!

13/12/2022

New Episode!!! 23. Player Spotlight - Ted Mciver

Join us for a Ted Talk as we shine our player spotlight on to a legend of the sport - Ted Mciver.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qIWuR61PyvT6FftGXmzyI?si=6EZBuyr_QG6FVaSDKj51Rg&utm_source=copy-link
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/23-player-spotlight-ted-mciver/

We discuss a huge range of topics with Ted, including some questionable gameplay tactics from Tim "Ace Man" Davies, writing your own articles for the local newspaper and the use of minigolf courses for money laundering.

Finally Ted takes on the famous Getting To Know You questions.

For more information about everything discussed in the show, please refer to the Show Notes in the comments below.

To support the podcast please visit: https://www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems

01/12/2022

New episode!!! 22. Minigolf Month - November 2022 + Christmas Competition - Ted McIver

Join us as we recap the minigolf month of November 2022 (with help from a UK legend Ted Mciver) and look ahead to December. Also we tackle a new Hot Topic and start our Christmas Competition where you could win a Putt18 mat + goodies.

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SFuJ8aQV6j3rFiTFiEftj?si=M1RDzD1jSsaRUkI7RNI1AA&utm_source=copy-link
Web link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/22-minigolf-month-november-2022-christmas-competition-ted-mciver/

To vote on this episode's Hot Topic poll please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1167078617184394/posts/1263769707515284/

For more information on everything discussed in this episode, please check out the Show Notes in the comments section.

To support the podcast (and secure tickets for the Christmas Special) please visit https://www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems

*****

Christmas Competition

Enter our Christmas Competition to win a Putt18 Pro League Members Pack. This includes 1 x Putt18 Putting Mat, Free Putt18 Scoring App, 3 Putt18 Competition Golf Balls, 1 x Putt18 Cap, 1 x Putt18 Player Patch.

Can you identify the minigolf players in our Christmas Choir:

https://youtu.be/YB4oBGgH-o8

Competition Rules

* Each correctly identified minigolf players will get you one entry in to the random draw
* Please enter by either Facebook Messenger or by email to [email protected]
* Deadline for the competition is midnight before the day of our live Christmas Special episode (date for this will be announced soon)
* We will reveal the answers, do the random draw and announce the winner during the Christmas Special
* You can change your guesses as many times as you like
* Please keep your guesses a secret

23/11/2022

New Episode!!! 21. Player Spotlight - Allan Cox

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JAgkid2gFAlB1hLiCWXKO?si=8qXgwP6pRZCvefU2BFfsDA&utm_source=copy-link
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/21-player-spotlight-allan-cox/

In this episode we shine our player spotlight on to Allan Cox. Allan talks enthusiastically what minigolf looked like in Australia during the 80s and 90s and some of Allan's Australian heroes. We then look at Allan starting an international career.

We discuss with Allan his journey to becoming the Putter King and having a YouTube page which contains a video with over 4 million views, and some of the incredible charity work Allan has done.

Finally Allan takes on the famous Getting to Know You questions.

To learn more about minigolf and to contact the podcast please message us on Facebook or email [email protected]

To support the podcast visit https://www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems

11/11/2022

New Episode!!! 20. Self Talk in Minigolf - Special Episode - Dr. Alexander T Latinjak

In this fascinating episode we talk to Dr. Alexander T Latinjak about sports psychology and self-talk and about how findings from research in to those areas can be used to improve minigolf performance.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7IHempnKdd2qILWs6edrbo?si=jrMl3uAbTQqp0qC-mRkymg&utm_source=copy-link
Web link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/self-talk-in-minigolf-special-episode-dr-alexander-t-latinjak/

Dr. Alexander T Latinjak is an Associate Professor at the University of Suffolk, School of Health and Sport Scencies. And a co-editor of the book Self-Talk in Sport.

In this episode Dr. Latinjak draws on his experience working with athletes from the world of tennis, football and golf. We discuss how to improve training routines to prepare us more for tournaments, how to select key words to use for our self-talk and how to improve the advice from our internal minigolf coach.

You can find more information about everything we discuss in the Show Notes in the comments below.

To support the podcast please visit:

https://www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems

09/11/2022

Upcoming Episode Alert - Self-Talk with Dr. Alexander T Latinjak - Friday 7am

Coming this Friday is a conversation with Dr. Alexander T Latinjak about Self-Talk in sport and how we can apply the findings from research about Self-Talk to minigolf.

It is a fascinating conversation full of insights that will be helpful to players looking to improve their game. We discuss how to adapt training sessions to better prepare for tournament play, and how Self-Talk can be used to improve physical technique.

Dr. Alexander T Latinjak is an Associate Professor at the University of Suffolk, School of Health and Sport Sciences. He is the co-editor of the book Self-Talk in Sport and has been a Sport Psychologist to top tennis and football players.

04/11/2022

New Episode!!! 19. Minigolf Month - October 2022 - Allan Cox

Join us as we recap the Minigolf Month of October and look ahead to November with special guest Allan Cox!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TTVLMFv8BZnqwJSxOqy3s?si=8iyMCJkHRCu7-6D-MdgxsQ&utm_source=copy-link
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/19-minigolf-month-october-2022-allan-cox/

As the end of year approaches we still have a lot to discuss: the finale of the Czech Tour, The US Masters, The British Open and, of course, the very exciting Popstroke Tour Championship. We speak to Seve Kukielka and Alexander Malina to get their thoughts on Popstoke and whether it is the start of something big.

See the Show Notes in the comments below for more information about everything we discuss.

We would like to see your vote on this episode's Hot Topic poll. To vote visit:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1167078617184394/posts/1245436912681897/

To support the podcast please visit:

https://www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems

And to enter the Guess The Hole competition please email [email protected]

Note: You can now also enter the competition by Facebook messenger!